The Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to studying and shaping the future in the Conejo/Las Virgenes region. CLVFF has a history of anticipating community needs and initiating projects and programs to meet those needs. Current Future Foundation Members include innovative and visionary leaders from every sector, public and private, and from every segment of our community.

Civic Arts Plaza Fountain

Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve

Westlake Yacht Club

Paramount Ranch

Apr 1, 2015

On February 18, 2015, the Youth Congress Leadership Program visited the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff Station. The group was met by two deputies-David C. Diestel and Robert DeSantis, who helped tour the students around the facility and gain insight into the deputy sheriff profession.

First, the group was taken into a briefing room, where Deputy Diestel gave a background of his life up to becoming a deputy sheriff; he then took questions from the students about the profession in general. Deputy Diestel went over the normal process one must go through in order to become a deputy sheriff. Deputy Diestel described each of the tests, interviews, and background checks involved. He explained his role as a deputy sheriff specializing in juvenile crime as well as the difference between a sheriff station in a big city and one in a small city.

Second, deputy sheriff Robert DeSantis led the students across the compound. Deputy DeSantis showed the students the jail cells in which prisoners are kept. The group was then led outside and shown the gear each sheriff must wear while on duty. A sheriff for thirty years, he announced to the group that he would be retiring at the end of the year. He stated that he has no regrets and has been pleased with his experience as a deputy sheriff.

Finally, two search and rescue volunteers talked to the group about their role. The two showed the group the numerous items of equipment that must be carried; they are on call 24/7 should there be an emergency situation.
Both Deputy Diestel and Deputy DeSantis emphasized the mental and physical strength needed to become a deputy sheriff. There are a lot of horrific situations, Deputy DeSantis conveyed, that a deputy sheriff has to witness, put up with, and later mentally cope with. Deputy Diestel stated that it’s a completely different life that you have to transition into once you become a deputy sheriff, a key point he wanted the group to realize.